story_goblin's reviews
363 reviews

The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I was hook the entire time and couldn't put it down. After the bombshell ending of book 2, things are moving faster. I'm reading the 4th one right away.
The Missing of Clairdelune by Christelle Dabos

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I am thoroughly fascinated by this world-building! There is nothing else quite like these books to compare them to. 
City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I picked this up thinking that it was going to be similar in feel to Gallant. Maybe audio was just the wrong choice for me in that regard. It was still pretty good!
The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

While reading, I was very immersed, but I had some trouble motivating myself to pick it up each time I went to continue reading. I’m not entirely sure why that is. I think maybe I should read all 3 back to back sometime, since I’ve been reading them as they come out.
Honor Among Thieves by Ann Aguirre, Rachel Caine

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adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I am absolutely fascinated by this world & concept- the idea of sentient ships, the workings of how those ships would carry people, the confusing and strained relationship between this race of being and humans. The character development is also very strong. However, there are spots where the mechanics of the plot development are weak. I'm still interested in the next one, though. :)
The Sea at the End of Everything by Emily McCosh

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challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

This was very different from what I normally read, but I'm glad I did. 
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is so immersive! Vivid, and expansive, characters who all feel so real, and an exciting plot. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.
Holes by Louis Sachar

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Holes is always a favorite. It’s masterfully constructed and funny despite how serious some of the conflict is. 
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Although a difficult (anger-inducing) read at times, I know this is a story that will stay with me. I especially loved the world-building. I am fascinated by this concept of Dragons/dragon’s breath. All the characters are so full and real. I want more set in this world.
Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life by Emma Steinkellner

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funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5